March 17, 2011

Kiss Me, I'm Sober - Stay Safe for St. Patrick's

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Ask Patty nation! Distracted driving is a topic that is very important to everyone here at Ask Patty, and St. Patrick's Day is a day notorious for casualties as a result of drivers who weren't enirely focused, whether the culprit be alcohol, a cell phone, a car full of buddies, or most often, a combination thereof. Please remember this holiday, and every day, that buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Consumer Reports recently held a teen distracted driving web event, which we attended, and AskPatty.com CEO Jody DeVere recorded a PSA which explains just why this issue is so close to her heart. Head past the jump for that video, which everyone should absolutely watch, and read Consumer Reports' article on the event.

These notes from Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving sum it up nicely -

On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out for drinking and celebrating with friends and family. Unfortunately, some of these people might also be driving home from their festivities and therefore, the night out has also become potentially dangerous.

Let’s remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:• Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind that in 2009, 1,119 occupants of other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, so pay attention to others on the road. And remember, you don’t have to be “falling down drunk” to be too impaired to drive safely. Even a few drinks can impair driving…and a buzzed driving crash has the same consequences as a drunk driving crash.

NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

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Consumer Reports hosts teen distracted driving event

On Monday, March 7th, Consumer Reports and the U.S. Department of Transportation will host a teen distracted driving event entitled “Distracted Driving Shatters Lives: Helping Parents and Educators Reach Teens” at the Consumers Union headquarters in Yonkers, NY.

The event will feature Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, as well as victims of distracted driving, educators, advocates, and law enforcement. We will also announce additional findings from the Consumer Reports National Research Center survey on distracted driving as well as our nationwide efforts to reach parents and educators.